⏱ 2 min read
Carter Camacho, an 18-year-old from Smyrna, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possessing a loaded 12-gauge shotgun on the grounds of the US Capitol Building and possessing child pornography. The incident occurred on February 17, 2026, when Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave SE and ran towards the Capitol carrying the firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing. Camacho claimed he was there to talk to a Member of Congress, but his true intentions remain unclear.
US Capitol Police officers responded quickly, recovering the loaded shotgun with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber. A subsequent search of Camacho’s cell phone led to the discovery of dozens of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) images and over 100 CSAM videos. Camacho admitted to purchasing CSAM, adding to the severity of the charges against him.
Camacho’s guilty plea was entered before Judge Amit P. Mehta, who scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2026. The case is being investigated by the US Capitol Police, with the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia handling the prosecution.
The possession of a firearm on US Capitol Grounds is a serious offense, and the addition of child pornography charges makes this case particularly disturbing. As the sentencing date approaches, the public will be watching to see how the court handles this complex and troubling case.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: US Capitol Grounds
- Location: DC
- Source: DOJ Press Release
